Level Measurement & Control


Krohne’s new radar level transmitters

August 2017 Level Measurement & Control

Krohne has added six new 24 and 80 GHz transmitters to its Optiwave series of FMCW radar level transmitters, targeted at liquid and solid applications in a wide range of industries. Based on over 28 years of experience with FMCW technology, each device has a particular area of application, for example agitated and corrosive liquids, narrow tanks with internal obstructions, or powders and dusty atmospheres.

All the new devices feature 2-wire 4-20 mA HART 7 communication and come with an extensive choice of process connections. They feature a large backlit LCD display with four-button keypad, a quick setup assistant for easy commissioning and PACTware DTM with full functionality. While approvals for hazardous areas are already available, other approvals, including SIL, are ongoing.

Optiwave 5400 is a 24 GHz FMCW radar for liquids in basic process applications in chemical, oil and gas and power industries. It provides accurate readings in closed tanks, in open air applications such as rivers or dams, and this even in processes with fast-changing levels.

Optiwave 7400 is a 24 GHz FMCW radar designed for liquids in harsh environments such as tanks with agitators containing corrosives or in non-Ex applications up to 700°C. Aimed at the chemical, petrochemical, power and oil and gas industries, it comes with a large choice of antenna options like the proven drop antenna, as well as heating, cooling or purging systems for metallic horn antennas. The quick coupling system permits the removal of the converter under process conditions.

Optiwave 7500 is an 80 GHz FMCW radar covering the same industries as the 7400 up to 150°C and 40 barg. With its small beam angle and negligible dead zone, it is aimed at liquid applications in small and narrow tanks with internal obstructions like agitators or heating coils, as well as tanks with long nozzles. This 80 GHz radar can even measure through tank roofs made of non-conductive material. It features a flush-mounted antenna and measures the level of a product from the antenna down to the tank bottom over a distance of 100 m.

New devices for solids: Optiwave 6400 and 6500

Optiwave 6400 is a 24 GHz FMCW radar for solids from granulates to rocks in industries such as minerals and mining, chemical, agriculture or power generation. It measures the level of solids such as stone, plastic granulates or coffee beans accurately and reliably. The proven drop antenna minimises scaling and is unaffected by the angle of repose, thus eliminating the need for expensive antenna aiming kits or purging systems.

Optiwave 6500 is an 80 GHz FMCW radar for powders and dusty atmospheres, aiming at the same industries as the 6400. It features specific algorithms and high signal dynamics to provide reliable and accurate readings despite the challenges linked to fine powders such as dust, low-reflective media, build-up and uneven surfaces. Thanks to the small beam angle of the flush-mounted lens antenna, it is best suited for high and narrow silos even in the presence of internal obstructions.

The new 24 GHz and 80 GHz transmitters complement the two existing 6 and 10 GHz devices of the Optiwave series: Optiwave 1010 is a 6 GHz FMCW radar suited for clean liquids in bypass chambers and magnetic level indicators. Optiwave 5200 is a 10 GHz FMCW radar for liquids in storage and simple process applications, SIL 2 approval and a choice of fieldbus communication options are available.

For more information contact Clayton Duckworth, Krohne SA, +27 (0)11 314 1391, [email protected], www.za.krohne.com



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